Cycling Paradise of Provence - to and from Avignon

Discover the stunning region of Provence by bike!

Provence is a region bursting with flavors and smells, from the intense spice of Châteauneuf du Pape wines to savory olive oils, to the wafts of thyme and rosemary that accompany you as you pedal through the hills. Cycling in Provence is an experience for all the senses and this bike tour will satisfy them all.

Starting and ending in Avignon, this itinerary is designed in the true spirit of a slow holiday, allowing you to stop as frequently as you like to soak it all in, in addition to loop rides allowing you some days for rest and relaxation.

Savour provencal food and wine bursting with the flavors of the sun, chat with the locals as you walk through the market stalls and cycle on beautiful routes which will create a memorable cycling holiday.

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Highlights

• Scenic villages of Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste & Roussillon
• Luberon mountain range
• World-renown cuisine
• Châteauneuf du Pape wine
• Avignon, a medieval treasure
• L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
• Optional extension to Arles

Learn More

Learn more about self-guided tours.

Daily program

Day 1: Avignon
Welcome to Avignon! There is a welcome meeting either today or tomorrow when you'll receive detailed information on the tour and a personal bike fitting.

The history of Avignon dates back even before the Romans entered the picture, but it was the Catholic Church that put the city on the map. In 1309, a French pope was elected and transformed vast spaces into public squares, constructed an enormous papal palace, and completed three miles of protective wall complete with towers. If you arrive early enough, be sure to visit the hilltop park to get the best view of the city. tour the immense palace that was once home to popes, stroll the traffic-free shopping district, lose yourself in the back streets, or just find a shady square to call home.

Day 2: Avignon - Chateauneuf du Pape - St Laurent des Arbres - Avignon (42 mi/68km, elevation gain/loss 310m)
Heading north, you get a first glimpse at the countryside of Provence full of old farmhouses and orchards of all kinds. You'll soon enter the famous Côtes-du-Rhone wine-making village of Châteuneuf du Pape. A wine tasting here is recommended (not included). Loop back through the countryside to return to Avignon for your second evening.

Day 3: Avignon to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, optional loop to Venasque (12 or 25 mi/20 or 40km, elevation gain/loss 110m or 650m)
Leaving the city you'll reach Jonquerettes after a gentle uphill. Heading back down to the valley, you'll eventually arrive in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. This "island city" is a compact medieval town famous for its art galleries and antique shops. This is a lovely place to walk around and explore, maybe even eat lunch on the grass by the quays.

For those wanting to pedal even further, you can continue until reaching Pernes-les-Fontaines. As the name suggests, this village is home to more than 40 ancient fountains. You'll ride on small country roads until arriving in Venasque, one of France's most beautiful villages. This medieval town is perched on a steep cliff, the 12th century church and its three Saracen towers offer a brilliant view of the surrounding area. You'll return to Isle sur la Sorgue, your home for the next two nights.

Day 4: Isle sur la Sorgue - Gordes - Roussillon - Isle sur la Sorgue (38 mi/61km, elevation gain/loss 575m)
Today you're in for a treat. You will cycle from one gorgeous perched village to the next. Two of these medieval towns are considered the most beautiful in the whole of the country: Gordes and Roussillon. A great payoff for the climbs you'll endure.

There are two different options to finish your day. The easier option brings you back to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on a dedicated bike path, a former railway line converted into a pristine lane. The more difficult option takes you to more hilltop villages such as Lacoste and Oppède le Vieux before returning you to Isle.

Day 5: Isle sur la Sorgue - Eygalières - St Remy de Provence (23 mi/37km, elevation gain/loss 200m)
Scenic roads lined with pear and apple orchards accompany you as you head toward Cavaillon. You may experience a bit of traffic, but shortly after crossing the Durance River, the deserted country roads return and you'll again pass through tiny villages until reaching Eygalières. Eygalières has preserved its authentic charm with beautiful stone houses, almost always framed with a touch of green or sweet-smelling flowers. Continuing on a somewhat rocky path, right below the impressive limestone ridge of the Alpilles, you have a chance to stop at a family-run wine estate for a tasting (not included). Today's destination is St Rémy.

Day 6: St Remy - Fontvieille - Les Baux - St Remy (26 mi/42km, elevation gain/loss 400m)
Today you can relax and enjoy the lovely town of St Remy, or you can challenge yourself with a ride to Les Baux. If staying in St Remy, you'll find an abundance of chic restaurants, private mansions from the Renaissance, beautifully restored homes, chapels and convents. One of St Remy's claims to fame is the fact that Van Gogh spent the last year of his life committed in the psychiatric institution Saint-Paul de Mausole.

For those riding to Les Baux, you are in for an exciting day riding along the winding streets of the Alpilles mountains. Pine tree landscapes and fields of wildflowers will accompany you as you reach Les Baux de Provence. This town has an incredibly beautiful citadel that towers over the surrounding countryside, as well quaint chapels, a museum, and plenty of history. Here you'll have to sample a few of the high quality red and rosé wines that this place is known for, before returning to St Remy.

Optional extension to Arles! See below.

Day 7: Return to Avignon, end of tour
The tour ends after breakfast when you'll be taken back to Avignon.

Extension to Arles

Day 7: St. Remy - Les Baux - Maussane - Arles (31 mi/50 km, elevation gain/loss +250m/-300m)
Today you pedal in the gorgeous Alpilles Mountains, first passing the incredible Romanesque chapel St. Gabriel dating back to the 12th century. Soon the long climb to Les Beaux begins. It is 4km uphill to reach this village perched on a cliff, but the great view and the exhilarating downhill will make it all worth it! You'll head back towards the plains, passing the ruins of a 2000-year-old aqueduct before reaching Arles and its Roman coliseum.

Day 8: Return to Avignon, end of tour
The tour ends after breakfast when you'll be taken back to Avignon.

Surface and terrain

This bike tour features moderate but steady climbs, ideally participants should be in good physical condition and prepared to cycle on average 30 miles a day. Electric bikes are available.

Hotels

Below is a sample hotel list based on availability. The final list is subject to change.

Avignon - 3-star Hotel Central
Isle sur la Sorgue - 2-star Hotel Cantosorgue
St Remy de Provence - 3-star Hotel Gounod
Arles - Hotel Du Forum

How to get there

Nearest airport: Paris CDG
Nearest train station: Avignon

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 6 x nights in 2*/3* hotels, double occupancy
• 6 x breakfasts
• Welcome meeting on day 1 or 2 in Avignon (either virtual or in-person)
• Luggage transfer between hotels
• GPX files
• Transfer to Avignon on day 7
• Emergency telephone support
• Road Book with detailed cycling itineraries and integrated maps

Also included with extension to Arles

• 1 x night in 3-star hotel
• GPX files
• Transfer to Avignon on day 8

Bike rentals

The bikes available for rent:

• 27-speed standard hybrid bike, Trek (or equivalent) with UNISEX frames
• 11-speed upgraded hybrid bike, Cannondale C3 Alloy (or equivalent) with UNISEX frames
• 22-speed carbon road bike, Cannondale Synapse 105 (or equivalent)*
• Electrically-assisted bike, SCOTT (or equivalent)**

*Flat pedals are provided. You may bring your own clip-in pedals, shoes, and tools to replace them. 

**You are required to supply a credit card which will be pre-authorized for €800 which is used as a guarantee until the return of the bike.
More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Bike rental includes:

• Helmet
• Security vest
• Pump
• Tool kit with spare tube
• Bike computer
• Pannier

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.